Record Reviews

IRVING JOSEPH ~ MURDER INC. GAD 034 (Barcode: 5901549197433) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1960 Released: 2015 This is a reissue of the cult album by American pianist / composer / arranger / conductor Irving JosephFind albums by this artist originally released in 1960. It presents twelve instrumental pieces, which are an "imaginary soundtrack" to an imaginary crime movie, full of suspense and brilliantly atmospheric ambience. The music is performed by a twelve-piece orchestra, which features many famous studio and Jazz musicians of the era, for example trumpeter Louis MucciFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / clarinetist Phil BodnerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Bucky PizzarelliFind albums by this artist, bassist George DuvivierFind albums by this artist and many others. This is the first time this album is released on CD. Joseph, primarily known as a pianist, who accompanied such stars as Lena HorneFind albums by this artist, Rita MorenoFind albums by this artist and even Frank SinatraFind albums by this artist, was also a much sought after conductor for many famous Broadway shows, and of course a composer, as documented on this album. The album was recorded and released at the time as a showcase of the rapid development of the Hi-Fi recording equipment and record technology and was considered an absolute top quality sound recording of the day. This remastered version still sounds absolutely stunning today. The music is somewhat in the spirit of the Henry ManciniFind albums by this artist´s celebrated "The Pink PantherFind albums with this title" soundtrack, which was recorded three years after this album, and a comparison between these two recordings is pretty intriguing. Although not intended as a Jazz album at the time, it is in retrospect a bona fide orchestral Jazz of the highest quality, a true masterpiece of the genre, and as such an absolute must in any serious Jazz record collection. Kudos to GADFind albums on this label Records for reviving this treasure!

Updated: 25/02/2016Posted: 25/02/2016

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BUCKY PIZZARELLI / JOHN, PIZZARELLI ~ LIVE AT THE VINEYARD THEATRE CHALLENGE 70025 ~ USA ~ Jazz AMG Review: This 1987 concert at New York´s Vineyard Theatre pairs two fine guitarists, Bucky PizzarelliFind albums by this artist and his equally talented son, John PizzarelliFind albums by this artist. The two players fit effortlessly hand in glove, no matter who is soloing at a given time, as they work their way through classic standards ("Three Little Words"), jazz classics ("Do Nothin´ Till You Hear From Me"), pop favorites ("Route 66"), and creative medleys (such as the combination of the famous movement from Rodrigo´s "Guitar Concerto" with Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist´s "Spain"). John Pizzarelli also adds warm vocals to several tracks. Concert and recording producer Richard SudhalterFind albums by this artist also contributed the enlightening liner notes, most of which is a transcript of a compilation of interviews done with both musicians at the time of the performance and some eight years later. With the CD cover declaring it to be a limited edition, it is well worth making a high-priority purchase.

Updated: 11/06/2022Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend